I’ve been asked to present at my kids’ school for Career Day. And honestly? That still feels wild to say out loud. I'm still learning. Still growing. Still, as Rachael would say, making it up as I go. But this week, as I started preparing what I might share with a room full of students, it sent me into a full-on nostalgic rabbit hole—and it hit me just how far this little dream has come.

Four years ago, I wasn’t dreaming about Career Day—I was just praying I was doing the right thing. And now? I get to stand in front of a room and tell students that this is my story. I was a stay-at-home mom with a camera and a dream. I had no roadmap, no experience running a business. Just a pull in my heart and a whole lot of prayers. I still remember driving to my first paid session (fifty bucks!) and crying in the car, asking God if this was really what He had planned for me. Was I chasing a calling… or just a wishful hobby?

I prayed hard. And I kept saying yes.

Four years later, here I am—running a full-time photography business, having photographed 75 weddings and countless families, and now sharing my story with students at my kids’ school. And I’ll be honest: this feels really big. Not because it’s some fancy speaking gig. But because it’s proof. Proof that you can start something new at 39. That you can build a business from nothing but heart, grit, and trust. That a stay-at-home mom with no backup plan can create something beautiful, something lasting, something that makes an impact.

I get asked all the time how long I’ve been a photographer. And until recently, I didn’t know how to answer. I’d usually say, “Cassie Lacina Photography started in 2021,” but the truth is—I’ve been a photographer much longer than that. I just didn’t always call myself one.

This little dream of mine has become a career that not only supports our family—it supported us FULLY during a hard season—and has allowed me to serve people in such meaningful ways. They say if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. And honestly? I get it now.

And now… it’s Jordan’s turn.

Tomorrow, the Lacina Agency officially opens in Barrington. It’s the beginning of his dream. One we’ve prayed for, planned for, and trusted God with. A new chapter for our family. A big, exciting, brave one.

It feels like we’re both standing at the starting line of something new again—but this time, we’re doing it side by side.

I’ll never stop being amazed at what God can do with a simple “yes.”

Here’s to beginnings. Again.

Thanks for reading!